PTSD Q & A

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What is PTSD?

 

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, sometimes appears after a traumatic life event. It can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, or other crippling symptoms when not treated. If you suspect you or a loved one has PTSD, treatment offers symptom relief and a better quality of life. 

 

What can lead to PTSD?

 

Any traumatic event can cause PTSD, including:

• Death in your family

• Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse

• Being a victim of violence

• Childhood neglect

• Being a first responder

• Natural disasters

• Being in a car accident

• Military combat

If you have severe or lingering distress after trauma, seek help from the Restoring Foundations Psychiatric Counseling Center experts to combat worrisome symptoms.

 

Which symptoms can PTSD cause?

 

PTSD may cause:

• Flashbacks

• Nightmares

• Always being on guard 

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Being startled easily

• Problems sleeping

• Difficulty concentrating

• Substance abuse

• Loss of interest in favorite things

• Thoughts of suicide

• Irritability

• Mood swings

• Distressing thoughts or memories 

These and other symptoms might be mild, moderate, or severe. They may negatively affect your job, grades at school, relationships, physical health, or overall quality of life.

 

How is PTSD diagnosed?

 

Diagnosing PTSD involves a review of your mental health history, medical history, and family history of mental health issues. Your specialist asks about your thoughts, emotions, mood, lifestyle, behaviors, and past trauma. This allows them to tailor a PTSD treatment plan that best suits you. 

 

How does my provider treat PTSD?

 

Treating PTSD may include one or more of the following:

 

Lifestyle changes

 

Lifestyle changes that can help you better manage PTSD and other mental health disorders include eating healthy foods, getting plenty of sleep, minimizing stress, and exercising regularly. It’s also vital to maintain a strong social support network.

 

Medication management

 

Taking medications can also reduce troublesome PTSD symptoms. Your Restoring Foundations Psychiatric Counseling Center provider customizes a medication regimen based on your individualized needs.

 

Therapy

 

Participating in individualized, group, or family therapy at Restoring Foundations Psychiatric Counseling Center helps combat debilitating PTSD symptoms. Your specialist offers cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), exposure therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy to help you achieve balance, peace, and joy.

 

Schedule a PTSD evaluation at Restoring Foundations Psychiatric Counseling Center by phone or online today for symptom relief.